Accrued Expenses (Details) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Oct. 31, 2013	Oct. 31, 2012	Oct. 31, 2011	Oct. 31, 2010
Accrued expenses
Land, land development and construction	$ 152,674	$ 124,731
Compensation and employee benefits	111,561	111,093
Insurance and litigation	89,104	101,908
Warranty	43,819	41,706	42,474	45,835
Interest	25,675	28,204
Commitments to unconsolidated entities	3,804	2,135
Other	96,350	66,573
Accrued expenses, Total	$ 522,987	$ 476,350